Finding Summer Internships for High School Students

Now that summer is here, it’s time for high school students (and their parents) to start thinking about what they’re going to do to occupy those long summer days. Many high school students get jobs for the summer, but more and more are turning to summer internships as a way to develop their skills and learn something new. Working with Connections Academy can help you prepare for the perfect internship.

You might be thinking that internships are for college students. While it’s true that most college students do at least one internship, internships for high school students are becoming more popular. Finding the right internship can seem like an impossible task. But finding the perfect internship for you is easier than you might think.

Why Should You Get an Internship?

If you’re trying to decide between an internship or a summer job, here are a few things to think about. While some internships are unpaid and may provide college credit in lieu of a paycheck, there are some paid internship opportunities out there that give you both income and experience.

That being said, even an unpaid internship, if it’s with your dream employer or in your chosen field, can be valuable. Studies have shown that high school students who have an internship on their college applications are more likely to be accepted. Take advantage of this easy way to get a leg up on your competition.

Internships allow you to get to know an industry or profession before committing to it by accepting a job. Interns are there to learn, and questions are expected, so take advantage of this opportunity to get an insider’s view of your chosen field.

Most internships are part time, which means you’ll still have plenty of time for fun, a job, or relaxing by the pool this summer. Or maybe you’re looking ahead to the fall semester and thinking about after-school learning experiences. Connections Academy offers flexible schedules, so you can even do an internship while you work on your education.

Where Do You Look for an Internship?

Depending on where you live, finding an internship could be challenging. Searching online for internships in your area is a good place to start. If you’re having trouble finding something that interests you, you might have to get creative. Think about what kind of job you want, and then start looking around your community for people and places that offer that kind of work.

Contact local businesses to inquire about internship opportunities. Talk to the owners or managers and tell them what you are looking for. You can also look on community bulletin boards, in libraries, at faith-based organizations, and in coffee shops for opportunities. Be sure to talk with your parents about what you’re looking for and where you’re going to try to find it. They may know of someone who could help you find what you’re seeking. Working with your parents can also help you stay safe and out of a potentially dangerous situation.

What Do You Need to Get an Internship?

Whether the internship is paid or not, you should expect to have a job interview. You have to try to convince someone to take you on and teach you a trade or business. You need to take this seriously, or you won’t get the experience you’re looking for. Here are some other tips to help you be more successful:

● Dress for the part.
You can’t show up in a T-shirt and shorts and expect to be taken seriously. You need to dress for the job you want. If you’re looking for work in a professional office setting, for example, business attire is your best bet. No matter what the field, when it comes time to interview, make sure you’re dressed nicely.
● Bring a resume.
Even if you don’t have much work experience, a carefully crafted resume can mean the difference between you or someone else getting the internship. Include any work history, volunteer work, your education, your skills as they relate to the job, and any awards or accolades like being on the honor roll.
● Treat this like a job.
If you don’t plan to take an internship seriously, don’t waste your or the business owner’s time. Even if the internship is unpaid, you’re getting the opportunity to learn from a professional. Don’t waste this opportunity.

A summer internship is a great chance to get a firsthand look into a possible career field. It can be a lot of hard work, but the benefits can carry you far into the future, so make the most of it!

Connections Academy has the resources to help you be successful in every stage of your academic life. To learn more about online school, explore the website.